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About this trip
During this travel foray we will explore Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Additionally, we will investigate one of the largest indigenous markets in South America. Then the real adventure begins when we explore the diverse wildlife and volcanic landscapes of the amazing Galapagos Islands.
Available Packages
For couples or traveling companions.
Price is per person based on double occupancy.
For individuals traveling alone, paying the Single Supplement.
For the individual who doesn't want to pay the Single Supplement and is willing to share a room with a traveler of the same gender.
Note - If Imprint is unable to find a traveler willing to share you will be required to pay the Single Supplement.
Itinerary
Day 1 Quito
We will gather in our hotel for a get-acquainted meeting and then enjoy our first Ecuadorian meal together.
Day 2 Quito
Intinan; Casa Agave
In the morning we will visit the Intiñan museum. This fun museum features life-size dioramas depicting Ecuadorian daily life and interactive demonstrations designed to test the unique physical forces at work in the equatorial region. Next we will visit Casa Agave, a fascinating museum project dedicated to preserving Agave culture, one of the oldest of the Andes.
Day 3 Quito
Otavalo
The northern indigenous town of Otavalo is known as the handicraft capital of Ecuador. Today we’ll explore the fabulous local market, the largest in Ecuador. You can shop for or simply photograph the colorful hand-made textiles and explore family artisan workshops. You can sample the Andean cuisine for which this area is known, including the tasty Biscochos de Cayambe. Enroute we’ll make a photo stop at San Pablo lake, with its dramatic backdrop of Imbabura volcano.
Day 4 San Cristobal
Flight; Interpretation Center; Tijeretas Hll; Punta Carola
We begin this day with a flight to San Cristobal Island, with its dramatic landscapes and pristine shores. After settling into our accommodation, we commence with a visit to the Galapagos Interpretation Center, learning about the islands' ancient origins and their ongoing role in ecological research and conservation. Then we ascend Tijeretas Hill, a vantage point offering panoramic views of the island. Next up, Punta Carola's sandy shores provide an idyllic evening retreat, with possible spottings of sea lions and marine iguanas.
Day 5 San Cristobal
Lobos Island; Manglesito Beach
Today we embark on a journey to Lobos Island, named after its impressive colony of sea lions. We’ll have the chance to hike the island's trails while observing its diverse and exotic birdlife. We’ll experience the beauty of the island's rich marine life as we snorkel the island’s pristine waters. We conclude our visit at Manglesito Beach, where you can relax on the sandy shores or do more snorkeling.
Day 6 Isabella
Floreana Island Excursion
On this morning a speedboat transfers us to Floreana Island where a world of contrasts awaits. We’ll visit black sand beaches and enjoy more snorkeling opportunities. A communal lunch with island residents provides a glimpse into their unique way of life, a delicate dance with nature. In the afternoon our trusty craft will speed us to Isabela Island, the largest and most dramatic of the Galapagos.
Day 7 Isabella
Sierra Negra & Chico Volcanos; Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center
Isabela Island's Sierra Negra Volcano looms on the horizon, its immense caldera promising an otherworldly experience. We’ll hike through lush highland vegetation to the rim, where we are rewarded with panoramic views of the crater. We continue on to Chico Volcano, where fumaroles and lava tunnels reveal the forces that shaped the Galapagos. We conclude our day with a visit to the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center where we will see the emblematic giant tortoises, symbols of the archipelago's conservation efforts.
Day 8 Isabella
Los Tuneles
Another boat journey transports us to Los Tuneles, a maze of naturally formed lava tunnels and arches. Potential snorkeling encounters beneath these geological wonders include seahorses, reef sharks, and the iconic Galapagos penguins. In the afternoon you are free to relax or enjoy the beautiful beach and have some time on your own during the sunset.
Day 9 Santa Cruz
Darwin Research Station; Tortuga Bay
This morning we will transfer to Santa Cruz Island. A visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station provids insights into the ongoing conservation of the Galapagos and the opportunity to see giant tortoises again. We will also visit Tortuga Bay with its pristine beach.
Day 10 Santa Cruz
Full day island tour
Today we will explore one of the nearby uninhabited islands. Our choice will be determined by weather conditions, seasonal opportunities, and what we have already seen in the islands. Options include:
Seymour Island
Seymour is home to many different species of birds and animals. It is a good place to spot frigates, blue footed boobies, iguanas, sea lions, and fur seals. In the afternoon we’ll sail to Bachas’ beach, a nesting area for sea turtles.
Santa Fe Island
Highlights include a beautiful bay where we can snorkel with eagle rays, sting rays, sea turtles, and lots of fish. Santa Fe is known for its large colony of sea lions and there are several excellent hikes available.
South Plaza Island
South Plaza boasts one of the most concentrated wildlife environments in the Galapagos. Encounters might include sea lions, iguanas, swallow-tail gulls, frigates, pelicans, and other tropical bird species. We will sail to Punta Carrion for more snorkeling.
Bartolome Island
Bartolome is the most recognizable and photographed island in the archipelago thanks to its distinctive pinnacle rock. We’ll hike along a wood trail to the top of this once-active volcano, observing the different lava formations on the way, for a fantastic panoramic view. Later, we’ll take a zodiac in search of Galapagos penguins, and then disembark on the beach for some snorkelling. This is a great place to see white tip reef sharks, sea turtles, many fish, and maybe swim alongside sea lions.
Day 11 Quito
Flight
After breakfast we’ll be transferred to the Baltra airport for our flight back to Quito. The tour ends upon arrival at Quito’s international airport. The tour ends upon arrival at Quito’s international airport (scheduled arrival time: 16:15).
[Itinerary specifics and hotels are subject to change.]
What’s Included:
10 nights hotel accommodation; All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners; All tour transportation (bus, boat, airplane, transfers, and port fees); All tips (Imprint escort, tour director, local guides, drivers, group meals, hotel staff); Full-time services of Ecuadorian tour manager and Imprint escort; All entrances: Intinan, Casa Agave, Galapagos NP; All activities: Otavalo market; Galapagos coach, boat, and snorkeling excursions.
*Note: All boat excursions are subject to weather.
Important Exclusions
Tour participants are responsible for the cost of drinks, free-time sightseeing & meals, expenditures of a personal nature, snorkeling equipment, and flight baggage overage fees.